“When I, a ‘cradle Catholic,’”
Perhaps, instead of being a “cradle Catholic”, you should attempt to be an “educated Catholic” and read the Bible. Believing made-up stuff is not doing you, or your eternal soul, any favors. Go directly to God’s Word for your information; all else is invented by men.
“you should attempt to be an “educated Catholic” and read the Bible”
I have read and reread the Bible many times over BEFORE I became a Catholic. Delve deep into scripture and no one on earth with a functioning brain can remain a protestant.